Offset stirrup for crossbow and method of manufacturing thereof

ABSTRACT

A crossbow comprising a body including a longitudinal axis is described, at least one limb affixed on a distal end of the body, the at least one limb being adapted to move between a distal relaxed position and a proximal tensed position for accumulating energy, a string mounted on respective transversal sides of the at least one limb in a substantially orthogonal direction in respect with the body for tensing the at least one limb when proximally longitudinally pulled away from the distal end and blocking the at least one limb in the tensed position for longitudinally propelling an arrow along the longitudinal axis in a distal direction when selectively released, and a stirrup disposed on the distal end of the body, the stirrup including a foot-receiving portion for securing the distal end of the crossbow to the ground with a foot applying pressure on the stirrup toward the ground, wherein the foot-receiving portion of the stirrup is configured to receive and locate a foot away from a trajectory of the arrow to prevent an interference between the arrow and the foot. A stirrup adapted to be retrofitted on a crossbow is also encompassed by the present application.

CROSS-REFERENCES

The present application is a non-provisional application of, and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 61/904,052 filed Nov. 14, 2013, entitled STIRRUP FOR CROSSBOW ANDMETHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF, filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(b), which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to crossbow improvements. The presentinvention more specifically relates to a foot-saver security stirrupused to support the crossbow and cocking a string of a crossbow to armthe crossbow. The present invention also more specifically relates toother features adapted to complement the stirrup portion of thecrossbow.

2. Description of the Related Art

Crossbows are known since a long time as, originally, a war tool and,later, an alternative to guns for hunting and recreation shooting.Crossbows are designed to pretense the string thereof and install anarrow in a position ready to shoot. The crossbow configuration locates astirrup at a longitudinal distal end thereof, where the arrow ispropelled by the string. The crossbow is generally heading down restingon its stirrup in contact with the ground to receive a foot therein tofirmly maintain the crossbow to the ground in opposition to the tensionrequired to proximally pull, generally by hand power or by a manualmechanism, the string and lock the string in a position adapted tolongitudinally propel the arrow when the tension in the string isreleased.

One understands the location of the stirrup locate a foot of a user ofthe crossbow in a position that is interfering with the movement of thearrow when the arrow is installed on the crossbow and propelled byreleasing the tension in the string when uncocking.

This can happen when removing the tension in the string and forgettingthe arrow in position on the crossbow. Forgetting the arrow on thecrossbow can easily happen because the usual beginning and ending of ahunting period happens in the dark before sunrise and after sunset andthe user might not visually see the arrow.

Should the arrow be propelled with an interfering foot in the stirruphappen, the arrow is likely to hit the foot and plant in the ground andkeep the person with the arrow across his/her foot secured to the groundwith the crossbow.

The stirrup of the crossbow is sized and designed to accommodate asingle foot therein. Using only one foot to stabilize the crossbow isnot optimal to maintain the crossbow in a stable position thus raisingadditional safety issues especially with pulling the sting to applytension in the string when arming/cocking the crossbow.

The stirrup is narrow and does not provide significant angular supportto the crossbow when the stirrup is on the ground to apply tension inthe string.

The arrow installed on the crossbow in a position ready to be fired isnot protected and the user of the crossbow cannot prevent foreign objectto contact the arrow and risk to move the arrow from its optimaloperating position. Conversely, debris can get stuck between the arrowand the riser and move the arrow out of place. This can happen when theuser of the crossbow evolves in low visibility or in daylight in thebush and especially when the user of the crossbow is wearing thecrossbow on its back while circulating in the forest or climbing in atree stand.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved crossbow structure overthe existing art that prevents an interference between the broadhead ofthe arrow and the foot of a user.

It is also desirable to provide an improved stirrup structure over theexisting art that prevents interference between the broadhead of thearrow and the foot of a user.

It is desirable to provide a stirrup structure adapted to dampvibrations of the crossbow in order to reduce the operating noise of thecrossbow.

It is equally desirable to provide an improved stirrup structure overthe existing art that prevents an interference between the broadhead ofthe arrow and the foot of a user that could be retrofitted on anexisting crossbow.

It is desirable to provide an arrow protector configured to protect anarrow installed on the crossbow in an armed position ready to bepropelled by the crossbow.

It is also desirable to provide an improved stirrup structure over theexisting art that prevents an interference between the broadhead of thearrow and the foot of a user that could reuse the stirrup of thecrossbow and be retrofitted on the existing crossbow with an interveningpart that relocate the stirrup not located to result in an interferencebetween the arrow's axis and the foot in the stirrup.

Other deficiencies will become apparent to one skilled in the art towhich the invention pertains in view of the following summary anddetailed description with its appended figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to alleviate one or more of theshortcomings of the background art by addressing one or more of theexisting needs in the art.

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

The invention is generally described as a device adapted to safely allowcocking a string of a crossbow and other improvements thereof.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup configured to locate the foot of auser therein away from a trajectory of an arrow installed on thecrossbow when cocking/uncocking the string of the crossbow and when thecrossbow is ready to propel the arrow.

Aspects of our work provide a crossbow equipped with a stirrupconfigured to locate the foot of a user therein away from the trajectoryof an arrow installed on the crossbow when cocking/uncocking the stringof the crossbow and when the crossbow is ready to propel the arrow.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup support configured to locate thefoot of a user that is located in the stirrup away from the trajectoryof an arrow installed on the crossbow when cocking/uncocking the stringof the crossbow and when the crossbow is ready to propel the arrow.

Aspects of our work provide a kit comprising a stirrup configured to beinstalled on a crossbow and adapted to position the foot of a user thatis located in the stirrup away from the trajectory of an arrow installedon the crossbow when cocking/uncocking the string of the crossbow andwhen the crossbow is ready to propel the arrow.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup for a crossbow, the stirrupcomprising a stirrup adapted to be secured to a distal end of acrossbow, the stirrup including a frame and a foot-receiving portionthereof, the frame being located down from a longitudinal axis of thecrossbow to locate a foot on the foot-receiving portion away from thelongitudinal axis to prevent an interference between the foot and anarrow propelled by the crossbow along the longitudinal axis.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup adapted to receive therein onefoot or two feet therein.

Aspects of our work provide a “T” shaped stirrup.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup sized and configured to minimizethe height of cocking and improves the ergonomics of the position of auser thereof.

Aspects of our work provide a foot stopper configured to limit how deepa foot can go inside the stirrup. The foot stopper can alternatively beconnected or build in the stirrup, the stirrup support and the distalportion of the crossbow.

Aspects of our work provide an adjustable stirrup adapted to change alength between the stirrup and the trigger of the crossbow to adjust thecrossbow configuration in accordance with users having various heights.

Aspects of our work provide an arrow protector adapted to protect anarrow installed on the crossbow.

Aspects of our work provide an arrow protector adapted to contact theground and server as a crossbow support when the crossbow is in acogging position.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup assembly including a stirrup andan arrow protector collectively providing a triangular ground-contactingsupport capable of maintaining the crossbow vertically on the ground.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup adapted to absorb vibrations whenthe arrow is propelled.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup including polymer.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup including vibration absorbingelements thereon.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup including viscoelastic dampingmaterial.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup including elastic and viscoelasticdamping capable material.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup providing vibration isolation.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup including vibration absorbingelements receivers thereon.

Aspects of our work provide a crossbow comprising a body including alongitudinal axis; at least one limb affixed on a distal end of thebody, the at least one limb being adapted to move between a distalrelaxed position and a proximal tensed position for accumulating energy;a string mounted on respective transversal sides of the at least onelimb in a substantially orthogonal direction in respect with the bodyfor tensing the at least one limb when proximally longitudinally pulledaway from the distal end and blocking the at least one limb in thetensed position for longitudinally propelling an arrow along thelongitudinal axis in a distal direction when selectively released; and astirrup disposed on the distal end of the body, the stirrup including afoot-receiving portion for securing the distal end of the crossbow tothe ground with a foot applying pressure on the stirrup toward theground, wherein the foot-receiving portion of the stirrup is configuredto receive and locate a foot away, down from the longitudinal axis, toprevent an interference between the arrow, propelled along thelongitudinal axis, and the foot.

Aspects of our work provide a crossbow comprising a body including alongitudinal axis; a pair of limbs affixed on a distal end of the body,the pair of limbs being adapted to move between a distal relaxedposition and a proximal tensed position for accumulating energy thereof;a string mounted on respective transversal sides of the pair of limbs ina substantially orthogonal direction in respect with the body fortensing the pair of limbs when proximally longitudinally pulled awayfrom the distal end and blocking the pair of limbs in the tensedposition for longitudinally propelling an arrow along an arrowtrajectory in a longitudinal and distal direction when the string isselectively released to bring back the pair of limbs the distal relaxedposition; and a stirrup disposed on the distal end of the body, thestirrup including a foot-receiving portion for securing the distal endof the body to the ground with a foot applying pressure on the stirruptoward the ground when cocking the string of the crossbow, wherein thefoot-receiving portion of the stirrup is configured to receive andlocate a foot away from the trajectory of the arrow to prevent aninterference between the trajectory of the arrow and the foot.

Aspects of our work provide a stirrup adapted to be attached in about adistal end of a crossbow, the stirrup comprising: a foot-receivingportion for maintaining the distal end of the crossbow to the groundwith a foot applying pressure on the stirrup toward the ground whencocking the crossbow, wherein the foot-receiving portion of the stirrupis configured to receive and locate a foot away from a trajectory of anarrow used in combination with the crossbow to prevent an interferencebetween the trajectory of the arrow and the foot when the stirrup isused in conjunction with the crossbow.

Each of the embodiments of the present invention has at least one of theabove-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but does not necessarily haveall of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the presentinvention that have resulted from attempting to attain theabove-mentioned objects may not satisfy these objects and/or may satisfyother objects not specifically recited herein.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages ofembodiments of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary crossbow;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a person cocking a crossbow;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a left elevational side view of acrossbow;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a crossbow;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a crossbow and an interferencebetween a longitudinal axis of the crossbow and a foot of a user cockingthe crossbow with a foot in the stirrup;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a left elevational side view of acrossbow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a crossbow inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a crossbow and a non-interferencebetween a longitudinal axis of the crossbow and a foot of a user cockingthe crossbow with a foot in the stirrup in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with a foot-stopper inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an arrow protectorin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an adjustablestirrup support in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an adjustablestirrup support in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an adjustablestirrup support and a foot stopper in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an adjustablestirrup support and a foot stopper in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an adjustablestirrup support and a foot stopper in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an arrow protectorin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an arrow protectorin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an arrow protectorand a foot-stopper in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an arrow protectoradapted to contact the ground in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of an arrow protector adapted tocontact the ground in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a stirrup with an arrow protectorand a foot-stopper adapted to contact the ground in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of an arrow protector in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of an arrow protector in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of an arrow protector in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of an arrow protector in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of an arrow protector in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a crossbowwith a stirrup in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 30 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a crossbowwith a stirrup in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a crossbowwith a stirrup in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of an exemplary stirrup in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of an exemplary stirrup in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a front elevational view of an exemplary stirrup inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a rear elevational view of an exemplary stirrup in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a bottom plan elevational view of an exemplary stirrup inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a left elevational view of an exemplary stirrup in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a right elevational view of an exemplary stirrup inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is an isometric view of an exemplary vibration damper inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is an isometric view of an exemplary stirrup outfitted withseveral exemplary vibration dampers in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 41 is a schematic illustration of a mass-ended cantilevered beam inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a schematic illustration of a mass-ended cantilevered beamtreated as a simple lumped-mass sdof (single degree of freedom) systemin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a schematic illustration of the conceptual vibration absorberrefined to consider the two feet-receiving portions as cantilevervibration absorbers of an exemplary stirrup in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a bottom isometric view of a stirrup attached to a crossbowin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a left isometric view of a stirrup attached to a crossbow inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a right isometric view of a stirrup attached to a crossbow inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a top isometric view of an embodiment of the stirrup

FIG. 48 is a right isometric view of an exemplary crossbow outfittedwith an embodiment of the stirrup;

FIG. 49 is a bottom left isometric view of an embodiment of a stirrupattached to a crossbow in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 50 is a top isometric view of an embodiment of a stirrup attachedto a crossbow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 51 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a stirrup attached toa crossbow in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

Our work is now described with reference to the figures. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanations, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present invention by way of embodiment(s). It may be evident,however, that the present invention may be practiced without thesespecific details.

A crossbow 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the crossbow 10 includes a sideproximal 14 to the user and a side distal 18 to the user 90 when thecrossbow 10 is held by a user in a shooting position. The crossbow 10includes a longitudinal axis 22 along which an arrow 26, when properlyinstalled on the crossbow 10 in its flight groove and optionally held bya arrow retention spring 30, is properly located to be propelled by astring 32. The crossbow 10 further comprises a stock 34, a sight bridge38, a foregrip 42 and a barrel 46. On its distal 18 end, the crossbow 10has a stirrup 50 disposed thereon. The stirrup 50 includes a frame 54and a foot-receiving portion 58 disposed therein. The stirrup 50 isconfigured to help the user 90 of the crossbow to cock the string 32.Generally, the distal 18 end of the crossbow 10 is put on the ground,the user 90 puts a foot on the stirrup 50 and holds the stirrup 50 onthe ground with a foot pressure against the tensing string 32. Asillustrated, the stirrup 50 is fastened to the distal end 18 of thebarrel 46 next to the riser 62 to which are connected a pair of limbs 66on respective transversal side thereof. The pair of limbs 66 is adaptedto be flexed to accumulate energy that is selectively released to propelthe arrow 26. The crossbow 10 is further equipped with an optional sight70 and a latch 74 holds the tensed string 32 that can be selectivelyreleased to release the string 32 and propel the arrow 26 upon actuationof the trigger 78 by the user 90.

Turning now to FIG. 2 illustrating a typical cocking by hand of acrossbow 10 by a user 90 using his/her hands 94 to pull the string 32toward the proximal side 14 of the crossbow 10. Simultaneously, the user90 is using one foot 98 on the stirrup 50 to apply pressure distally 18toward the ground 102 to maintain the crossbow 10 on the ground 102 andcounterbalance the tension applied proximally 14 to the string 32 tocock the crossbow 10.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a schematic prior art crossbow 10 from variousdirections. The stirrup 50 is adapted to be folded on the crossbow 10 ofFIG. 3. One can appreciate from FIG. 5 that the arrow axial trajectory22 interferes 100 with the foot 98 of the crossbow 10 user. The foot 98of the user 90 is thus dangerously located in the trajectory of thearrow 26 and serious injury can happen should the arrow 26 be propelledaccidentally. The arrow 26 could even secure the foot of the user 90 inthe ground 102, locking the foot of the user 90 through the stirrup 50if the arrow 26 is propelled and passes through the foot 98 of the user90 through the stirrup 50. As one can imagine, this is not a desirableposition, especially in the woods late at night.

In contrast, FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a crossbow 10 equipped with a stirrup50 having a configuration preventing an interference between thelongitudinal axis 22 of the trajectory of the arrow 26 and the foot 98of a user 90. In the present situation, the stirrup 50 is located at agreater distance d1 from the longitudinal axis 22, as depicted in FIG.6, to distance the foot 98 from the longitudinal axis 22 by a distanced2 and thus protects the foot 98 of the user against the arrow 26trajectory 22. In at least one embodiment, the stirrup 50 is locateddownward of a trigger longitudinal axis 82 to further locate the foot ofa user 90 away from the trajectory of the arrow 26.

Embodiments of the stirrup 50 can be sold with a new crossbow 10 or canbe sold separately to retrofit an existing crossbow 10 without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. The stirrup 50 has, preferably,a securing mechanism that is compatible with common securing mechanismsof existing crossbows 10. Securing the stirrup 50 of embodiments isgenerally using the existing fastening mechanism of crossbows 10 on themarket.

The location of the stirrup 50 in embodiments of the present applicationis offset from the longitudinal axis 22 of the arrow and hence away fromthe barrel 46 and the limbs 66 as depicted in FIG. 8. The offsetlocation of the stirrup 50 gives more proximal space to the foot 98, orthe feet 98, of the user 90. The arrangement of the stirrup 50 with thecrossbow 10 can be longitudinally more compact because there is moreroom to locate the stirrup 50 closer to crossbow 10. The longitudinallength of the stirrup 50 and crossbow 10 assembly can hence be shorter.The shorter crossbow length is advantageous, inter alia, because it islowering the displacement of the string 32 when cocking the string 32. Alower displacement is more ergonomic, especially for shorter users 90,because the elbows of the user 90 have to raise less high when cockingthe string 32 and less strength is required. The position of the stirrup50 of embodiments can optionally be adjustable and allows setting adesired longitudinal distance 86 between the stirrup 50 and the latch 74to adapt to users of different sizes and heights. This adjustablestirrup 50 is illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 throughout FIG. 17.

A magnified portion of the stirrup 50 in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention is illustrated in FIG. 9 throughout FIG. 12. In FIG. 9,the stirrup 50 includes a first stirrup member 106, parallel with thelongitudinal axis of the crossbow 10, in addition to a second stirrupmember 108, connected at an angle with the first stirrup member 106,embodied in a one-part 114 configuration. The stirrup 50 is optionallypivotably secured about pivot 110 on the distal end of the crossbow 10.One can appreciate the pivotal movement 118 of the stirrup 50, 106 islimited to prevent locating the stirrup 50, 106 close to thelongitudinal axis 22 of the crossbow 10. The pivotal movement 118 of thestirrup 50 on the opposite side can be sufficient to store the stirrup50, 106 close to the foregrip 42. A locking mechanism (not illustrated)is optionally used to keep the pivotable stirrup 50, 106 in the desiredposition.

Moving now to FIG. 10 where is illustrated a stirrup 50 interconnectedto the distal end of the crossbow 10 via the stirrup connector 122 witha securing mechanism 126. The stirrup connector 122 is sized anddesigned to locate the stirrup 50 at a distance 130 from thelongitudinal axis 22 of the crossbow 10. The stirrup connector 122 canbe sold as a retrofit part to distance and locate an OEM stirrup 50 in adesirable position thereof. The stirrup connector 122 is also optionallydesigned to have an adjustable length 132, between a minimum length anda maximum length, to fit a range of morphology, size of boots and user's90 preferences. The present embodiment uses a set of spacers 134 todefine the length of the stirrup connector 122 however other adjustmentmechanisms are likely to become obvious to a skilled reader and remainwithin the scope of this application.

FIG. 11 depicts the one-part 114 stirrup 50 of FIG. 9 with an additionalfoot stopper 138 adapted to limit the position of the foot 98, or feet98, in the stirrup 50 to prevent extending beyond the longitudinal axis22. The configuration using a stirrup 50 with the foot stopper 138 isillustrated with a design where the stirrup 50 is assembled with thefoot stopper 138. The longitudinal length of the first stirrup member106 can be made with the adjustable mechanism illustrated in FIG. 12using a series of holes 132 used in conjunction with fasteners forsecuring mechanism 126, however other adjustment mechanisms are likelyto become obvious to a skilled reader and remain within the scope of theapplication.

Turning now to FIG. 13 illustrating an embodiment where the stirrup 50is adjustably secured to the crossbow 10, more precisely to the foregrip42 of the crossbow 10 in the illustrated embodiment, via a stirrupreceiver 140. The stirrup receiver 140 comprises an axial adjustmentmechanism 144, embodied with a slot 148 in FIG. 13, allowinglongitudinally positioning 132 of the stirrup 50 and thus modifies thelength of the crossbow 10. As previously mentioned, the length of thecrossbow 10 can be adapted to match different sizes of users 90 andallowing users 90 of various height to optimally cock the crossbow 10when pulling the string 32 to more easily engage the latch 72. The slot148 offers a variety of longitudinal positions at which can be securedthe stirrup 50 with a fastener 152. The stirrup 50 can alternatively bepivotable in respect to the foregrip 42 of the crossbow 10 for storageor for reducing the length of the crossbow 10 for some other specificpurposes like using the stirrup 50 as a support when shooting with thecrossbow 10. The stirrup receiver 140 can alternatively offer selectivepositions along a predetermined length as illustrated in FIG. 14. Thestirrup receiver 140 of FIG. 14 includes a series of discrete locations156 to which the stirrup receiver 140 can be removably secured. Theillustrated configuration in FIG. 14 results in the longest distancebetween the stirrup 50 and the crossbow 10, which is intended for tallusers 90. Other adjustment mechanisms remain within the scope of thisapplication

A foot stopper 138 is added to the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 15.This time the foot stopper 138 is connected to the foregrip 42 of thecrossbow 10 and is thus not going to longitudinally move with thestirrup 50. The stirrup 50 of FIG. 15 is assembled with a stirrupconnector 122 to allow further adjustments thereof. In the presentsituation, the adjustment is discretely provided with, for example, aseries of pairs of holes 160 used in conjunction with securingfasteners. Conversely, the pairs of holes 160 could alternatively bereplaced with a slot 164 to provide further adjustment capabilities asillustrated in FIG. 16. A securing mechanism 168 is used tosecure/fasten the first stirrup member 106 to the stirrup connector 122.One would note that the foot stopper 138 of the embodiment of FIG. 16 isconnected to the stirrup receiver 140. The foot stopper 138 could beadjustably secured to a foot stopper connector 172 extending from thestirrup receiver 140 disposed on the distal end of the crossbow 10 tolocate the foot stopper 138 closer, or farther, from the longitudinalaxis 22 of the crossbow 10. The foot stopper 138 can alternatively bediscretely secured with holes, or the like, disposed in the foot stopperconnector 172. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 teaches the footstopper 138 can be secured to the stirrup 50 and be movable with thestirrup 50. All the adjustment mechanisms illustrated in FIG. 10 to FIG.17 are preferably adapted to reduce or prevent any undesired rotationsor relative movements of the parts to ensure a constant geometricalarrangement of the stirrup assembly 176.

An optional arrow protector 142, illustrated in FIG. 18, is adapted toprotect the broadhead 28 of the arrow 26 against foreign objects toprevent undesirable movement of the arrow 26 and to keep the arrow 26 inline with the longitudinal axis 22. The arrow protector 142 is alsohelpful to prevent injuries by contacting the sharp portions of thebroadhead 28. The arrow protector 142 is secured to the distal end ofthe crossbow 10 via a support 146, as illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 18throughout FIG. 20 illustrate a stirrup assembly 176 used in conjunctionwith an arrow protector 142 secured to the crossbow 10 via a support146. The arrow protector 142 receives therein a portion of the arrow 26to maintain and secure the arrow 26 (not shown) in place on the crossbow10. The broadhead 28, or the shaft of the arrow 26, can optionally beheld by the arrow protector 142 in an embodiment. The arrow protector142 is intended to further protect the user 90 against being injured bycontacting a razor-sharp broadhead 28. The arrow protector 142 can besecured directly to the stirrup assembly 176, as illustrated in FIG. 19,and in combination with a foot stopper 138, as depicted in FIG. 20.

The arrow protector 142 can alternatively be secured to the stirrup 50,106 (or its stirrup connector 122 depending on the configuration) asexemplified in FIG. 19. The arrow protector 142 remains fix when it isconnected to the distal end of the crossbow 10 and is pivotable, in itspivotable configuration, when secured to the stirrup 50, 106. Thestirrup assembly 176 can alternatively be used in cooperation with thearrow protector 142 as embodied in FIG. 20.

A longer arrow protector 142 can be used to increase the crossbow 10stability when positioned vertically in contact with the ground 102 forcocking the string 32 of the crossbow 10 or simply for verticallyresting the crossbow 10 on the ground. As it is exemplified in FIG. 21through FIG. 23, various combinations and arrangements of parts arepossible. The arrow protector 142 offers an additional point of contactwith the ground 102 to increase the stability of the crossbow 10. Withthe embodied “T” shaped stirrup 50, the arrow protector 142 produces athree-contact-point (or triangular) support on the ground to ensureself-stability, or mechanical equilibrium, of the crossbow 10 resting onits distal end thereof. Preferably, the stirrup assembly 176 and thearrow protector 142 are collectively configurable to ensure they are ofa proper length to be usable together.

FIG. 24 throughout FIG. 28 schematically illustrate variants of possiblearrow protector 142 shapes 150. The section views depict differentshapes, sized and designed to accommodate different types and sizes ofarrow heads, and thus ensure optimal positioning of the arrow 26 inaddition to protect the sharp tip broadhead 28 of the arrow 26. Anopening 180 in the arrow protector 142 can be provided to pass the arrow26, preferably the shaft of the arrow 26, through the arrow protector142 as opposed to require slipping broadhead 28 of the arrow 26longitudinally through the arrow protector 142. Simply passing the arrowshaft through the opening 180 in the arrow protector 142 is a morenatural movement for the user 90.

In turn, FIG. 29 throughout FIG. 31 illustrate stirrups 50, 106 adaptedto accommodate one foot 98 or two feet 98 therein using differentarrangements of parts. The embodiment exemplified in FIG. 29 illustratesa pair of opened foot-receiving portions 58. FIG. 30 illustrates anembodiment where one foot 98 or two feet 98 can be inserted in thefoot-receiving portion 58. The foot-receiving portion 58 of FIG. 30 isseparated in the embodiment of FIG. 31 to ensure a more precise positionof both feet 98 in the stirrup assembly 176. In the embodimentsexemplified in FIGS. 29, 30 and 31, the user is able to use both feet onthe stirrup assembly 176 to cock the crossbow 10. Those arrangementsconfigured to accommodate two feet 98 have the benefit, inter alia, toprovide additional stability to the crossbow 10. The two feet 98 are ina position to exercise an equal pressure on both sides of thelongitudinal axis 22 via the stirrup assembly 176. The crossbow 10 isthus firmly maintained on the ground and into a stable and balancedposition. Another benefit is to make it possible for user to cock thecrossbow 10 in a seated posture.

The previous Figures have been illustrating embodiments in a ratherconceptual fashion. FIG. 32 throughout FIG. 38 are illustrating a morerefined embodiment of the stirrup 50. The embodied stirrup 50 of FIG. 32is made in a one-piece configuration with injected material. The polymermaterial is can also include fibers therein to further reinforce thestirrup 50 or elements thereof. The polymer material offers severaladvantages, namely in terms of lightweight, low price for massproduction of the stirrup 50 and also as a vibration dampening element.Alternatively, other materials like aluminum could be used tomanufacture the stirrup 50. The stirrup 50 illustrated in FIG. 32includes two open foot-receiving portions 190 disposed on lateral sidesof the longitudinal axis 22 locating the feet 98 of a user away from thetrajectory of the arrow 26. The two foot-receiving portions 190 of thestirrup 50 are equipped with anti-slip features 194 embodied as an arrayof molded small spikes 198. The foot-receiving portions 190 furtherinclude grooved sections 202 adapted to ensure a strong contact betweenthe stirrup 50 and the feet 98 of a user on one side and the ground 102on the opposite side when the stirrup 50 is in the cocking position. Thegrooved sections 202 are also extending in the second stirrup member 108to lighten the stirrup 50 by using material discretely where requiredfor mechanical strength. A series of ribs 204 are interconnected by ajunction rib 208 to increase the stiffness of the stirrup 50. Aplurality of parallel junction ribs 208.1, 208.2, illustrated in dottedlines, could be embodied to increase the stiffness of the part. Otherpatterns of ribs 204 and junction ribs 208 could be used to provide thedesired stiffness and mechanical strength to the stirrup 50. A patternof junction ribs in “X” 212 schematically illustrated with dotted linescould be used to add torsion stiffness. One can note that the secondstirrup member 108 also includes recessed sections 206 to furtherlighten the stirrup 50 by using material discretely where required formechanical strength between the foot-receiving portions 190, the arrowprotector 142 and the crossbow 10.

The stirrup 50 includes an optional arrow protector 142 that is coveringthe broadhead 28 of the arrow 26 hence further protecting the feet 98 ofa user 90 from the broadhead 28 of the arrow 26. The stirrup 50 can beembodied with only the foot-receiving portions 190 and, alternatively,with the arrow protector 142. The arrow protector 142 can optionally bea distinct part and be added if desired to the stirrup 50. Thelongitudinal length of the arrow protector 142 preferably covers thebroadhead 28. The position, configuration and length of the arrowprotector 142 is providing a third contact point with the ground inaddition with the two contact points with the ground offered by the twofoot-receiving portions 190. This layout produces a triangularground-contacting configuration with three contact points providingstability of the crossbow 10 when resting on the ground on its distalside, supported by the stirrup 50 and the arrow protector 142 forcocking the crossbow 10.

The stirrup 50 further includes a crossbow receiving portion 210 adaptedfor contacting and attaching the stirrup 50 to the distal end of thecrossbow 10 with two cooperating angled planes 214, 218 (illustratedorthogonal to each other) ensuring a strong connection with the crossbow10. The plane 214 can include a reinforcing sleeve 222 providingadditional strength to the stirrup when the fastener is securedtherethrough. The reinforcing sleeve 222 can be made of aluminum orother materials offering sufficient strength. Fasteners are used tosecure the stirrup 50 to the crossbow 10 through a series of holes 226.

Crossbows 10 are generating significant vibrations when releasing thestring 32 for propelling an arrow 26. However, a low level of noise ispreferable when hunting. The stirrup 50, seen in FIG. 32 throughout FIG.38, includes a plurality of vibration damper receivers 230. Thevibration damper receivers 230 are sized and designed to receivevibration dampers 234 thereon. In a possible embodiment, rubberizedelements 238 can be used as vibration dampers and be installed on thestirrup 50. In the present embodiment, the vibration damper receivers230 are located near the ends of the foot-receiving portions 106 todissipate vibrations traveling toward the ends of the foot-receivingportions 106 before they transform into audible noise. A third vibrationdamper receiver 230 is located in the center of the stirrup 50 betweenthe arrow protector 142 and the foot-receiving portions 106, preferablynear the end of the arrow protector 142. The vibration dampers are goingto be secured within the groove shaped by the vibration damper receivers230 in the foot-receiving portions 190. The third vibration damperreceiver 230 is embodied as a protrusion extending from the arrowprotector 142 including concave sections sized and designed to receivetherein a vibration damper 234. It remains within the scope of thepresent application to add, remove and change the configuration, thenumber and the locations of the vibration damper receivers 230 to adaptto specific factors and designs. From FIG. 33, one can appreciate thatthe laterally disposed foot-receiving portions 190 are distanced fromthe arrow trajectory 22 by about 100 mm in the vertical direction, moreprecisely, by more than 110 mm and in some circumstances by more than120 mm. Generally, the preferred configuration of the stirrup 50 rendersrather impossible to place a foot or two feet in the trajectory 22 ofthe arrow 26. The feet are located away from the trajectory of the arrow26 and should that not be enough, the support 146 and the arrowprotector 142 are physically preventing a foot on the foot-receivingportion 190 to get in interference with the trajectory 22 of the arrow26.

A vibration damper 234 is exemplified in FIG. 39. The vibration damper234 is preferably made of vibrations dampening material like rubber. Thevibration damper 234 is designed with an elongated shape along alongitudinal axis 242. The vibration damper 234 can be embodied invarious longitudinal lengths in accordance with its position on thestirrup 50 or on the crossbow 10. A soft rubber having sufficientelasticity is preferable to ensure strong contact and proper positioningon the stirrup 50 or the crossbow 10. The contact with the stirrup 50 orthe crossbow 10 needs to be sufficient to prevent any change of locationwhen the vibration damper 234 is subjected to vibrations.

The vibration damper 234 includes a central opening 246 that is sizedand designed to fit on the desired vibration damper receivers 230. Thecentral opening 246 is illustrated with a longitudinal shape adapted tomatch and properly cooperate with the vibration damper receivers 230 ofthe illustrated embodiment. At least one protruding portion 250 isaxially extending on at least one side of the vibration damper 234 tovibrate and dissipate vibration energy with its flexible constructionand lower the vibration noise that could be caused by the release of thetension in the string 32 and the propulsion of the arrow 26. Theprotruding portion 250 is embodied at a distance from the centralopening 246 with a spherical shape 254. The protruding portion 250 isconnected with the body 258 of the vibration damper 234 by aninterconnecting portion 262. The interconnecting portion 262 has areduced section compared with the body to transmit vibrations to thevibration damper 234. In turn, the vibration damper 234 has a largersize to include more material ensuring efficient vibration absorption.The vibration damper 234 is embodied as a generally spherical shape 254in the present embodiment however other shapes and sizes arecontemplated by the present application.

A series of radiuses 266 are managing soft transitions between thedifferent sides of the vibration damper 234. A radius 270 is included oneach longitudinal extremity of the central opening 246 to prevent localstress concentration. External radiuses 274 are disposed between thebody 258. Opposed and substantially planar sides 278 are defining thelateral shape of the vibration damper 234. The thickness of the body 258is adapted to match the thickness of the vibration damper receiver 230and the elasticity of the vibration damper 234 allows installation ofthe vibration damper 234 thereon while firmly securing the vibrationdamper 234 on the desired vibrating portion of the stirrup 50 and/or thecrossbow 10.

The combined interaction between the stirrup 50 disposed at a distal 18end of the crossbow 10 is acting as an energy harvesting structure thatcan harvest energy from the vibrations caused by the functioning of thecrossbow 10. The harvesting of mechanical energy from vibrations isusing inertial energy harvesting that generally relies in the resistanceof a mass to acceleration, and kinematic energy harvesting whichdirectly couples the energy harvester, the stirrup 50, to the relativemovement of the source, the crossbow 10. The polymer stirrup 50 ofembodiments therein is mainly provided by the viscoelastic character ofpolymers. Rubber is also used as vibration damping material due to itsviscoelasticity.

The stirrup 50 and crossbow 10 structure can be seen as a spring designsfor use in vibration absorbers. In particular, the “mass-endedcantilevered” produced by the foot-receiving portions 190 extendingdistally in front of the crossbow 10, offers a very simple realizationof a spring-mass system for use as a vibration absorber. Such amass-ended cantilevered beam is illustrated schematically in FIG. 41where the cantilever stirrup 50 is connected to the crossbow 10. Thehence considered mass-ended cantilevered beam may be treated as a simplelumped-mass sdof (single degree of freedom) system as shown in FIG. 42having a mass M and a spring stiffness K. The conceptual vibrationabsorber can also be refined to consider the two foot-receiving portions190 extending distally in front of the crossbow 10 as illustrated inFIG. 43 as cantilever vibration absorber.

The exemplified stirrup 50 is preferably made of polymer material thatcan be charged with reinforcement fibers therein to further increase itsmechanical strength due to the significant mechanical load applied onthe stirrup 50 when cocking the crossbow 10. The type of material can bealtered to obtain precise vibration absorption properties. The type ofreinforcement fibers and the amount added in an injected material arealso variables adapted to be set to obtain a precise vibrationabsorption behavior. In embodiments of the invention, the polymer can beselected from the following: Nylon, Acrylic and ABS. A preferredembodiment uses Nylon (Nylene 4114-14 HSL PA-66) with about 15% fiberstherein. Other recipes can be used to provide sufficient mechanicalproperties without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 44 throughout FIG. 51 are illustrating embodiments described abovefrom various perspectives with additional details for the benefit of thereader. More precisely, FIG. 45 illustrates a multi-part stirrup 50including a foot-receiving portion 150 secured with a fastener 184 tothe support 146. One can appreciate the stirrup 50 is not completelyvisible in FIG. 51 while the focus is put on the arrow protector 142.

The description and the drawings that are presented above are meant tobe illustrative of the present invention. They are not meant to belimiting of the scope of the present invention. Modifications to theembodiments described may be made without departing from the presentinvention, the scope of which is defined by the following claims:

What is claimed is:
 1. A crossbow comprising: a body including alongitudinal axis; a pair of limbs affixed on a distal end of the body,the pair of limbs being adapted to move between a distal relaxedposition and a proximal tensed position for accumulating energy thereof;a string mounted on respective transversal sides of the pair of limbs ina substantially orthogonal direction in respect with the body fortensing the pair of limbs when proximally longitudinally pulled awayfrom the distal end and blocking the pair of limbs in the tensedposition for longitudinally propelling an arrow along an arrowtrajectory in a longitudinal and distal direction when the string isselectively released to bring back the pair of limbs the distal relaxedposition; and a stirrup disposed on the distal end of the body, thestirrup including a foot-receiving portion for securing the distal endof the body to the ground with a foot applying pressure on the stirruptoward the ground when cocking the string of the crossbow, wherein thefoot-receiving portion of the stirrup is configured to receive andlocate a foot away from the trajectory of the arrow to prevent aninterference between the trajectory of the arrow and the foot.
 2. Thecrossbow of claim 1, wherein the foot-receiving portion is two adjacentfoot-receiving portions respectively laterally disposed outside thetrajectory of the arrow.
 3. The crossbow of claim 2, wherein the twofoot-receiving portions are laterally separated with a membertherebetween for securing the stirrup to the distal end of the body. 4.The crossbow of claim 1, wherein the stirrup includes a mechanismadapted to change a distance between the foot-receiving portion and alatch configured to lock the sting in a position maintaining the pair oflimbs in the tensed position.
 5. The crossbow of claim 1, wherein thestirrup is located further away down from a longitudinal trigger axisthat is axially projected from a trigger latch of the crossbow.
 6. Thecrossbow of claim 1, further comprising a foot stopper, disposed on thedistal end of the crossbow, between the trajectory of the arrow and thestirrup, configured to limit a position of the foot toward thetrajectory of the arrow to prevent the foot to interfere with thetrajectory of the arrow.
 7. The crossbow of claim 1, further comprisingan arrow protector disposed along the trajectory of the arrow on thefirst end of the body to generally circumvent a forward portion of thearrow.
 8. The crossbow of claim 7, wherein the arrow protector includesan opening sized and designed to radially insert an arrow in the arrowprotector.
 9. The crossbow of claim 7, wherein the arrow protector isaxially and distally extending about a same length as the axial positionof the foot-receiving portion of the stirrup.
 10. The crossbow of claim9, wherein the arrow protector is adapted to further stabilize thecrossbow when the stirrup is contacting the ground, the arrow protectorproviding an additional contact point with the ground.
 11. A stirrupadapted to be attached in about a distal end of a crossbow, the stirrupcomprising: a foot-receiving portion for maintaining the distal end ofthe crossbow to the ground with a foot applying pressure on the stirruptoward the ground when cocking the crossbow, wherein the foot-receivingportion of the stirrup is configured to receive and locate a foot awayfrom a trajectory of an arrow used in combination with the crossbow toprevent an interference between the trajectory of the arrow and the footwhen the stirrup is used in conjunction with the crossbow.
 12. Thestirrup of claim 11, wherein the foot-receiving portion is two adjacentfoot-receiving portions respectively laterally disposed outside thetrajectory of the arrow.
 13. The stirrup of claim 12, wherein the twofoot-receiving portions are laterally separated with a membertherebetween configured to secure the stirrup to the distal end of thecrossbow.
 14. The stirrup of claim 11, wherein the stirrup includes amechanism adapted to change a distance between the foot-receivingportion and a latch of the crossbow configured to lock a sting of thecrossbow in a position maintaining a pair of limbs of the crossbow in atensed position.
 15. The stirrup of claim 11, wherein the stirrup islocated further away down from a longitudinal trigger axis of thestirrup that is axially projected from a trigger latch of the crossbow.16. The stirrup of claim 11, further comprising a foot stopper, disposedbetween the trajectory of the arrow and the stirrup, configured to limita position of the foot toward the trajectory of the arrow to prevent thefoot to interfere with the trajectory of the arrow.
 17. The stirrup ofclaim 11, further comprising an arrow protector configured to bedisposed along the trajectory of the arrow to generally circumvent abroadhead of the arrow when the stirrup is used in conjunction with thecrossbow.
 18. The stirrup of claim 17, wherein the arrow protectorincludes an opening sized and designed to radially insert an arrow inthe arrow protector.
 19. The stirrup of claim 17, wherein the arrowprotector is axially and distally extending about a same length as theaxial position of the foot-receiving portion of the stirrup.
 20. Thestirrup of claim 19, wherein the arrow protector is adapted to furtherstabilize the crossbow when the stirrup is contacting the ground, thearrow protector providing an additional contact point with the ground.